help on starts

RE: help on starts

Former Member — Tue, 20 Apr 2004 16:02:56 GMT

www.coachesinfo.com/.../ This is a summary of a recent research paper on starts. They feel that the entry and glide phase are more important than the block and air phase. The powerstarts site is good for pictures, and I teach my swimmers a start similar to what they suggest. I also use some of thier explanations in my classes "physics gone wild" section. It's kind of like the long jump, physics says take-off at 45 degrees, but to do that, you must slow way down. Most long jumpers leave the ground between 15-25 degrees, but maintain 9-10 m/s velocity. Its more important to leave the blocks with the highest velocity, not the highest angle.

RE: help on starts

mattson — Tue, 20 Apr 2004 12:47:57 GMT

It's 45 degrees if you are long jumping in a vacuum (which make it tough to breathe :D ). And the assumption is that velocity is independent from angle of attack, which as you point out, is not true for the long jump. (But it is probably true for a standing jump. :confused: ) That would be an interesting puzzle to solve. Any data to show the loss of velocity versus jumping angle? It should be possible to figure out the ideal angle. Also, with the elevation of the blocks, the problem is not the same as a take-off and landing at the same height.

RE: help on starts

Former Member — Tue, 20 Apr 2004 06:54:15 GMT

Originally posted by Morrison www.coachesinfo.com/.../ This is a summary of a recent research paper on starts. They feel that the entry and glide phase are more important than the block and air phase. The worst piece of news for me was the statement: "There are indications that, regardless of the posture used, intensive practice of dive starts results in significant improvement even among experienced competitive swimmers." Unfortunately, most of the pools I've been to don't allow swimmers to use the blocks during their practices.

RE: help on starts

Former Member — Sun, 18 Apr 2004 13:10:25 GMT

http://www.swim.ee/index.html has some very good video clips of world class swimmers.

RE: help on starts

Former Member — Sun, 18 Apr 2004 13:04:11 GMT

Click on the USMS logo above which will bring you to the home page. On the left side of your screen click on "Training". Then go to "Starts and Turns'. There are some good articles which may be of interest.

RE: help on starts

Rob Copeland — Sat, 17 Apr 2004 11:36:19 GMT

You may wish to check out PowerStarts at www.quickgetaway.com

RE: help on starts

Karen Duggan — Sat, 17 Apr 2004 11:03:54 GMT

I don't know of any sites per se but I know there are really good videos. Depending on your LMSC you might be able to borrow them for free.